The Revolution Kicks Off Reunion At First Avenue In Minneapolis

It was an emotional night on Thursday at First Avenue in Minneapolis when The Revolution, Prince’s famed backing band from his ’80s hey day, took the stage together for the first time since 2012. The current lineup of The Revolution features guitarist Wendy Melvoin alongside keyboardists Lisa Coleman and Dr. Fink, bassist BrownMark, drummer Bobby Z, and special guests Dez Dickerson and André Cymone.

“I encourage every one of you to take every one of these songs and make them your own — sing along, so he can hear you!” Melvoin told the crowd ahead of the “Let’s Go Crazy” opener as per Yahoo! Music’s report. The band rolled through a mix of songs heavy on Prince’s most beloved classics including “Little Red Corvette,” “1999,” “Kiss,” “Purple Rain” and “Raspberry Beret.” Wendy and Lisa led the evening’s most tender moment, a version of “Sometimes It Snows In April” that left nary a dry eye in the house according to Yahoo! Music.

Soul singer Bilal was a special guest for a portion of the evening that included “The Beautiful Ones,” “Private Joy,” “When Doves Cry” and “Kiss.” Also on hand was Prince’s Purple Rain co-star Apollonia Kotero and the Purple One’s brother Omarr Baker. The Revolution return to First Avenue tonight.

Videos (Captured by North South Central Congregation)

[Baby I’m A Star]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNqUMiABvjE

[1999]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nxIWF4Nm5c

[Uptown]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaFafvFw91Q

[Let’s Work]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEsw5LgeIWw

[Do It All Night]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyFNz8O1UBs

[Let’s Go Crazy | Captured by Jon Copeland]

[Purple Rain | Captured by Alona Perlin]

[Sometimes It Snows In April | Captured by Lyndsey Parker]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPAQBXcXpqU